As the last rows of corn are collected from the fields, farmers can reflect on how the crop came through the last growing season and start to plan for 2024.
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A rainbow arcs over a combine harvester at the Wittnebel farm near Nassau, Minn., after a welcome fall rain.
Submitted photo
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Soybeans on the Wittnebel farm in western Minnesota are ready for harvest in mid-October.
Submitted photo
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Nurtrien agronomist Tim Sickman says fall soil sampling is important for getting a baseline of nutrients left in the field after this year’s harvest.
Submitted photo
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Crops that were stressed during development are apparent by stunted growth and decreased yields.
Submitted photo
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Since planting season, drought conditions have worsened in Iowa and Minnesota but improved in South Dakota and Nebraska. The U.S. Drought Monitor map from April 25, left, shows extreme and exceptional drought in Nebraska. Map 2 shows Oct. 10 conditions where drought is gone from the majority of South Dakota but remains in pockets in eastern Nebraska.
Submitted image from Climate Prediction Center/NOAA/National Weather Service
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Janelle Atyeo is a small town South Dakota girl enjoying her work as regional editor of the Midwest Messenger and Tri-State Neighbor while raising kids and no-till vegetables in central Sioux Falls. Reach her at janelle.atyeo@lee.net .
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